Enugu

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerian Army troops have recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition from a forest in Enugu State.

The weapons were reportedly linked to a kidnapping syndicate that has been operating across Enugu, Abia, Anambra and neighbouring states.

The recovery was carried out on Monday, August 10, at Umuchingu Ujenike Forest by personnel from the 82 Division Garrison and 103 Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the troops located the weapons after some suspected members of the kidnapping group who had earlier been arrested provided information about the location of the hideout.

The operation followed the rescue of two kidnap victims as well as the arrest of a logistics supplier and two suspected leaders of the criminal network.

The recovered items included four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks operating in forests and communities across the region.

On July 31, a joint military operation rescued Ofor Amobi, a senior army officer, and Ikechukwu Onwuanra, a civilian, after a 10-day search for them across forests and communities in Enugu State.

During that operation, troops searched Inyi, Awlaw and Akpugo-Eze forests as well as surrounding communities in Oji River Local Government Area of the state.

Earlier in June, soldiers, in partnership with operatives of the Department of State Services, also raided suspected armouries linked to the Eastern Security Network in Enugu State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Government of Japan has commissioned and handed over agricultural machinery to farmers in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State as part of efforts to boost food production and rural livelihoods.

This was announced by the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria via its official and verified Facebook handle on Wednesday.

The event took place on February 5, 2026, in Adani, where Ambassador SUZUKI Hideo attended the ceremony marking the delivery of equipment under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The initiative, titled “The Project for the Provision of Power Tillers and a Combined Harvester in Uzo-Uwani LGA, Enugu State,” supplied power tillers alongside a combined harvester to support farming activities in the benefiting communities.

Officials explained that the intervention aims to improve agricultural productivity through mechanised operations. They noted that enhanced efficiency on farms would enable local farmers to raise output, expand earnings and maintain more stable sources of livelihood.

The machinery was procured by “Yanmar Agri Corporation”, a Japanese company recognised globally for producing durable agricultural equipment. The firm also organised technical training for beneficiaries, focusing on proper handling, operation and maintenance of the machines.

Representatives at the ceremony said the Japanese Government expects the project to strengthen food security in the area. They added that the support forms part of broader contributions toward Nigeria’s agricultural development and long-term economic growth.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Security forces have rescued a kidnapped reverend after a gunfight in Enugu State, leaving one of his abductors dead.

Reverend Johnson Anayo Onugwu was taken from his home in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area, around 1:00 am on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Troops from the 82 Division Garrison, part of the Joint Task Force South East (Operation UDO KA), acted on intelligence and tracked the kidnappers to the Okpakeke community following a trail through the Itabolo area.

A fierce firefight ensued, resulting in the neutralization of one criminal and the safe recovery of Reverend Onugwu.

The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 20 rounds of ammunition.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement, affirmed its continued collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property and deny criminals freedom of action in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other traffic enforcement agencies to implement measures aimed at preventing the frequent petrol tanker explosions occurring across Nigeria.

This directive, delivered in a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, comes amidst a worrying rise in such incidents, which have led to significant loss of life and property.

“The president calls for caution and adherence to safety measures among road users, particularly fuel tanker operators,” the statement reads.

“Furthermore, he directs agencies in charge of enforcing traffic rules to implement measures to prevent recurring petrol tanker explosions nationwide,” it added.

The president expressed condolences to the families of victims and prayed for the souls of the deceased, while also wishing a speedy recovery to those injured in the explosions.

Recent incidents underscore the urgency of the president’s directive.

On Saturday, a tanker explosion at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway claimed 18 lives, according to FRSC reports.

Just a week prior, another explosion in Niger State’s Gurara Local Government Area resulted in over 70 fatalities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A petrol tanker accident occurred early Saturday morning on the Ugwu Onyama Federal Highway in Enugu State, resulting in the loss of numerous lives and injuring several others.

The incident also destroyed multiple vehicles and comes just a week after a similar tragedy in Niger State claimed at least 98 lives.

Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scenes at the site, with a tanker driver, Eziechina, recounting the catastrophic events.

“A tanker carrying premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, fell at the hilly road and spilled the product down the road.

“Unfortunately, it caught fire, and all the vehicles plying the road at the time caught fire and burned people beyond recognition.”

According to Eziechina, over 10 people, including children, were burnt beyond recognition, with many others transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are yet to release an official death toll from the Enugu explosion.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Enugu State Police have apprehended two male kidnapping suspects allegedly involved in the abduction of a heavily pregnant woman along Eke-Egede Road in Udi LGA.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered a manhunt for other members of the gang.

The victim’s husband, Mr. Ekene Igwe, praised the Enugu State government for swiftly intervening and covering medical expenses.

The woman, Chinwendu Igwe, gave birth to a baby boy after being rescued and is now in good condition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Chinwendu embarked on the journey alone with her two children from Lagos to her paternal home, where she was abducted.

The CP dismissed misinformation regarding the incident and urged media accuracy. Mr. Igwe thanked Governor Peter Mbah for the government’s support.